Do you want to make a powerful set of flash cards? Using flash cards (picture cards with writing on them) is a great method for memorizing and understanding things, such as the periodic table or complex human anatomy, as well as learning vocabulary. You can create flash cards for various fields or subjects. To make it, you need to prepare the necessary materials, determine the key information, and, of course, create a card.
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Method 1 of 5: Preparing to Create Flash Cards
Step 1. Find a comfortable place to work
Try to work in a bright place away from distractions or distractions, and have the necessary equipment. You should devote all your attention to making flash cards. However, there are some people who feel comfortable when working accompanied by the sound of television or music. If you feel that way, try working while enjoying the sounds as a stimulant. Just make sure the voices that accompany you don't distract from the work at hand.
Step 2. Gather the necessary materials
You must have prepared cards (which are still blank/plain) and notebooks. Also prepare pens, markers, highlighters (eg highlighters), and other writing equipment that you want to use.
At this stage, you also need to determine the media you want to use to create a flash card. Decide if you want to make one using paper and pen, or make a digital flash card. This of course depends on your preferences. However, there are some studies that show that most students can remember and understand information better when they write it down. However, digital flash cards are considered quite practical to use because they can be stored on mobile phones. If you are not too concerned about the process of memorizing materials, digital flash cards can certainly be the right alternative
Step 3. Mark the most important information
Identify information that stands out in notes and textbooks. After that, filter the information into key sections so that you can transfer it to a flash card, either in physical or digital form. You can do this by marking notes or textbooks. If you can't write or scribble in a textbook, write down the most important information from the book on a piece of paper, or create a separate file in a word-editing application on your computer.
Later, you can develop a note-taking system that can simplify the process of making flash cards. Some of the easiest ways to do this are to mark or underline important information emphasized by the teacher or lecturer. Some people use asterisks, dashes, or other symbols to highlight important information in notes
Method 2 of 5: Making Flash Cards out of Paper
Step 1. Write key terms or concepts on one side of the card
Write the term or concept in large letters for easy reading. On this side, you should not include any information. The purpose of making flash cards is to know the basic concepts and identify information related to the topic or concept. If your teacher previously gave you key questions, you can write them down on the side of this card. As much as possible make sure this side of the card looks neat and simple (in this case, there isn't too much writing on this side of the card).
Step 2. Write short, concise notes on the other side of the card
Your goal is to sift through important information on the other side of the card. Do not rewrite the entire information or material taught by your teacher/lecturer regarding, for example, the theory of Marxism or trigonometry. Just select the important information emphasized by your teacher/lecturer, and record the information (in list form) on the side of this card.
- Use a pencil or pen with light ink to prevent your writing from penetrating the back of the card.
- Draw a diagram if necessary. Feel free to include additional information on the back of the card as long as it is important for the smooth learning process.
Step 3. Make sure your writing is large, clear, and neatly spaced
If your writing is too small, you cannot read it easily and if there are too many words written, there will be too much information for you to digest at once. By writing neatly and clearly, you can read your notes easily.
If you find that you have included too much detail on the card, try refining the information further or breaking it up into multiple cards. In this case, you can write the keyword on one side and, below it, list the specific category or topic in parentheses. For example, if you want to study or remember “if conditional” material in English grammar, but can't condense the material into one card, try making several cards for the material. For example, make “If Conditional (Type 1)”, “If Conditional (Type 2)”, and “If Conditional (Type 3)” cards
Step 4. Write in bright colored ink
Colors are “friends” that will help you memorize and understand the information on the cards. In this case, you are free to use any color to mark or encode certain information. For example, if you are studying English vocabulary for a test, you could write the infinitive verb on one side of the card and, on the other side, try writing the definition (in black) and its conjugated forms in different colors. Try to show your creativity in using color. Keep in mind that colors can be used to manage certain information (especially those that need to be highlighted) on the card. Make sure the text and colors you use are legible. The use of bright colors such as yellow on yellow paper will certainly make it difficult for you to read the information on the card.
Step 5. Use abbreviations to save space
Sometimes, you have a lot of information on one card. If you have a lot of information to include on one card, you may need to use abbreviations. Usually people create their own abbreviations that they can understand themselves. In general, people use abbreviations or shorthand to highlight important information and de-emphasize unimportant words. For example, you can change the word “and” to “&”, or “for example” to “eg.”.
Method 3 of 5: Creating Flash Cards Using MS Word
Step 1. Open Microsoft Word and create a new document
Regardless of the version of the program you are using, you will need to open the program first. After that, you need to click on the “New” button. It's in the top bar of the program window.
Step 2. Choose the sample or flash card template you want to create
You can find and select it in two ways. In the first method, use the search bar in the program window. Type “flash card” into the bar, then the available examples will be displayed. Or, you can look for examples of “flash cards” among other examples of publications available in Microsoft Word. Usually, there are several examples of flash cards that you can choose from. Some of them use more colors than the other examples. There are also examples of flash cards that only use black and white. In addition, there are also examples that have certain decorations. Try to choose the most interesting examples, but still easy to read. If there are decorations or color schemes in the sample that make the text difficult to read, it's a good idea to opt out of that example.
Step 3. Fill in the card with the required information
In each example, you will get instructions regarding fields for filling in key terms, concepts or questions, as well as fields for filling in the relevant information.
Use color to manage notes or information on cards. Mark the text you want to color, then click the text color tab at the top of the program window. Use colors that are still easy to read, but can be distinguished from other colors you use. For example, use black for basic information and green, blue, red, purple, or brown for certain additional information on the same card
Step 4. Print and cut out the flash card that has been made
The flash card design that you have made will not help much with the learning process if it is stored on the hard disk. Therefore, print the flash card design on cardstock (a type of thick paper that is the basis for cards and other crafts) or strong thick cardboard, and cut it into cards.
You can also make a hole in one corner of the card and thread the thread through the hole. After that, knot the two ends of the rope (forming a kind of ring) to join each card so they don't fall apart. You can also open the card (like when you open a calendar) to read it if you need to
Method 4 of 5: Creating Flash Cards Using Internet Programs or Applications
Step 1. Choose a flash card maker program or internet application
There are several programs that you can choose from. Some of them allow you to download programs for use outside the network. Sites like cram.com, https://www.flashcardmachine.com, https://www.kitzkikz.com/flashcards/, and https://www.studyblue.com can be great free options.
Step 2. Create an account if prompted
Many internet card-making programs require you to create an account. This is important to do so that you don't lose the information listed on the card. By creating an account, you can re-access the design flash card created from any computer equipped with an internet connection. This means, you can access it from desktop computers, laptops, and smartphones.
Step 3. Enter all relevant information available
Each site has its own column for entering a key term, concept, or question, as well as another column for entering important information. Some sites like cram.com give you the option to customize the decoration or appearance of your flash card, such as by adding a color or design. Meanwhile, some other sites such as https://www.kitzkikz.com/flashcards/ only offer space or information fields.
Step 4. Finish creating the flash card
Every website has a button labeled “create flashcards” or “process flashcards”. Click the button to use the design that has been created.
Step 5. Select a mobile app to create a flash card
The advantage of the mobile app is that you can take your created flash card with you wherever you go. There are many mobile apps for making flash cards. Some applications are even associated with specific fields, such as math or vocabulary.
Most applications are free to use. Therefore, try to download and use several applications to find out which application best suits your needs
Method 5 of 5: Using Flash Cards Properly
Step 1. Take the time to create a flash card
This may be a step that doesn't require you to think at all (in this case, not thinking or remembering the material) because if you want your flashcard to be effective in helping the learning process, all the necessary information must be included on the card. Try to think of the process of making flash cards as a learning process, not just a step that makes it easier for you to learn. Often, this is also your first step in the learning process. Pay close attention to the existing materials. Try to include your own insights when you create flash cards. This way, later you can remember it easily.
Some researchers think that flash cards made by hand can help more effectively than flash cards made with MS Word or other programs, or those made on the internet. In addition, psychologists from Princeton University and UCLA also found that information retention increased when students were encouraged to write down the information obtained on paper. Your brain will be encouraged to process new material in a different way than when you just type it word by word
Step 2. Test your skills as often as possible
Don't just make flash cards and read them before the exam. Try to use flash cards as references as often as possible. Spend some time studying when you're relaxed, then read and study the information on the flash cards methodically. Carry a custom-made flash card with you throughout the day and review material during television commercial breaks, when you're sitting on the bus, or just waiting in line at the convenience store. The goal is to find out all the information on the flash card, whether a card is chosen from the front, back, or randomly selected. Of course you can only do that if you test yourself often.
Step 3. Have someone test your skills
It doesn't matter if the person you are interested in helping is a classmate or not. All he had to do was read out what was written on the card. Ask him to show you one side of the card. After that, you need to explain the material or information that is on the other side of the card (which is facing your friend). Make sure you also use the keyphrase listed on the card.
If you learn new material, you can ask your partner to show you the side of the card that contains information about the material, then you only need to mention the keyword or topic of the information
Step 4. Save the flash card until you really don't need it anymore
One of the biggest mistakes students make is throwing away their flash cards after completing a quiz or exam. Keep in mind that class information or material will add up throughout the semester and from class to class. If you are taking a course or course that consists of several sections (eg “Grammar 1” and “Grammar 2” for an English course), try making a larger collection of flash cards for future reference.
